comme
As, like
Comme is the primary French word for 'like' or 'as'.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to compare two different things.
- Indicates a role or professional capacity.
- Can express cause when placed at the start.
Summary
Comme is the primary French word for 'like' or 'as'.
- Used to compare two different things.
- Indicates a role or professional capacity.
- Can express cause when placed at the start.
Use like a professional tool
Remember that 'comme' is your go-to word for describing jobs. Use 'Je travaille comme...' to state your profession.
Don't confuse with how
Beginners often use 'comme' in questions. Remember that 'how' is always 'comment' in a question.
The importance of comparisons
French speakers frequently use 'comme' in proverbs and daily expressions. It reflects the poetic nature of the language.
Examples
4 of 4Il est grand comme son père.
He is as tall as his father.
Comme vous le savez, la réunion est annulée.
As you know, the meeting is cancelled.
Il agit comme un enfant.
He acts like a child.
Comme il faisait froid, nous sommes restés à l'intérieur.
Since it was cold, we stayed inside.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'comme' as a mirror reflecting a comparison. Imagine two things standing side-by-side held together by the word 'comme'.
Aperçu
'Comme' est l'un des mots les plus fréquents en français. Il sert principalement à comparer (Il est fort comme un lion) ou à exprimer une fonction (Je travaille comme serveur). 2) Modèles d'utilisation : Il peut introduire un groupe nominal (Il est gentil comme son père) ou une proposition subordonnée (Comme il est tard, je rentre). Lorsqu'il exprime une cause, il se place généralement en début de phrase. 3) Contextes courants : Vous l'entendrez quotidiennement pour décrire des situations, des personnes ou des emplois. Il est aussi très présent dans les expressions idiomatiques. 4) Comparaison : Contrairement à 'comment' qui interroge sur la manière, 'comme' établit un lien d'analogie ou d'identité. Il est plus polyvalent que 'tel que' qui est plus soutenu.
Usage Notes
Comme is highly versatile and used in all registers of speech. When it means 'because', it must always be placed at the beginning of the sentence. It is never used in direct questions to mean 'how'.
Common Mistakes
Students often use 'comme' instead of 'comment' in interrogative sentences. Another common error is placing 'comme' (meaning 'because') in the middle of a sentence instead of at the start.
Memory Tip
Think of 'comme' as a mirror reflecting a comparison. Imagine two things standing side-by-side held together by the word 'comme'.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'quomodo', meaning 'in what manner'. It evolved through Old French to become the essential comparison tool it is today.
Cultural Context
The word is deeply embedded in French culture, often appearing in famous proverbs. It is essential for describing the French lifestyle and social roles.
Examples
Il est grand comme son père.
everydayHe is as tall as his father.
Comme vous le savez, la réunion est annulée.
formalAs you know, the meeting is cancelled.
Il agit comme un enfant.
informalHe acts like a child.
Comme il faisait froid, nous sommes restés à l'intérieur.
academicSince it was cold, we stayed inside.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Comme il faut
Properly / As it should be
Comme quoi
Which goes to show
Tout comme
Just like
Often Confused With
Comment is used for questions ('how'), whereas comme is used for statements, comparisons, and causes.
Tel que is more formal and specific, often used to mean 'such as' or 'exactly as'.
Grammar Patterns
Use like a professional tool
Remember that 'comme' is your go-to word for describing jobs. Use 'Je travaille comme...' to state your profession.
Don't confuse with how
Beginners often use 'comme' in questions. Remember that 'how' is always 'comment' in a question.
The importance of comparisons
French speakers frequently use 'comme' in proverbs and daily expressions. It reflects the poetic nature of the language.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase suivante.
Il est courageux ___ un lion.
On utilise 'comme' pour établir une comparaison de ressemblance.
Choisissez la bonne réponse.
___ il est fatigué, il va se coucher.
Ici, 'comme' exprime la cause et se place en début de phrase.
Reconstituez la phrase.
professeur / travaille / il / comme
La structure sujet + verbe + comme + profession est correcte.
Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsComme est utilisé pour comparer ou définir un rôle, tandis que comment est un adverbe interrogatif utilisé pour poser une question sur la manière ou le moyen.
Oui, lorsqu'il est placé en début de phrase, il signifie 'puisque' ou 'étant donné que'. Par exemple : 'Comme il pleut, je prends mon parapluie'.
Non, comme est invariable. Il ne s'accorde jamais en genre ou en nombre avec les mots qui l'entourent.
On utilise 'comme'. Par exemple : 'Elle chante comme un ange'.
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Related Grammar Rules
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More general words
abrégé
B1An abstract, summary, or abridgment.
absence
A2The state of being away from a place or person.
absolument
A2Absolutely.
abstinence
B1The practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something.
abstraction
B2Concept ou idée générale plutôt que quelque chose de concret ou particulier.
absurde
B2absurd, ridiculous
à cause de
A2Because of; on account of (a neutral or negative cause).
accompli
B2Successfully completed or achieved.
acheminer
B1To transport, convey, or send something to a destination.
acheté
B2Acquired by paying for it.
